Matthew 18:4
New International Version
Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

New Living Translation
So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

English Standard Version
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Berean Standard Bible
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore whoever will humble himself as this little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens.

King James Bible
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

New King James Version
Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

New American Standard Bible
So whoever will humble himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

NASB 1995
“Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

NASB 1977
“Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Legacy Standard Bible
Whoever therefore will humble himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Amplified Bible
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

American Standard Version
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Contemporary English Version
But if you are as humble as this child, you are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

English Revised Version
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whoever becomes like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Good News Translation
The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child.

International Standard Version
Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom from heaven,

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

NET Bible
Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

New Heart English Bible
Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Webster's Bible Translation
Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Weymouth New Testament
Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this young child, he it is who is superior to others in the Kingdom of the Heavens.

World English Bible
Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
whoever then may humble himself as this child, he is the greater in the kingdom of the heavens.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore whoever will humble himself as this little child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens.

Young's Literal Translation
whoever then may humble himself as this child, he is the greater in the reign of the heavens.

Smith's Literal Translation
Whoever, therefore, should be humbled as this young child, the same is the greater in the kingdom of the heavens.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, whoever will have humbled himself like this little child, such a one is greater in the kingdom of heaven.

New American Bible
Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

New Revised Standard Version
Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Whoever therefore will humble himself like this little boy, shall be great in the kingdom of heaven.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Whoever therefore humbles himself like this boy, he will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Whoever, therefore, humbles himself as this little child, is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Godbey New Testament
Therefore whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greater in the kingdom of the heavens;

Haweis New Testament
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself, as this little child, he shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Mace New Testament
he therefore who shall become as void of ambition as this child, he shall be greatest in the kingdom of the Messiah.

Weymouth New Testament
Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this young child, he it is who is superior to others in the Kingdom of the Heavens.

Worrell New Testament
Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, he is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Worsley New Testament
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Greatest in the Kingdom
3“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.…

Cross References
Philippians 2:5-8
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: / Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, / but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. ...

James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

1 Peter 5:5-6
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.

Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Mark 9:35
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.”

Mark 10:15
Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.

Isaiah 57:15
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in a high and holy place, and with the oppressed and humble in spirit, to restore the spirit of the lowly and revive the heart of the contrite.

Proverbs 3:34
He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.

Proverbs 16:19
It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 22:4
The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD are wealth and honor and life.

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?


Treasury of Scripture

Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

humble.

Matthew 23:11,12
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant…

Psalm 131:1,2
A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me…

Isaiah 57:15
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

greatest.

Matthew 18:1
At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Matthew 20:26,27
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; …

Mark 10:43
But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

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Child Greater Greatest Heaven Heavens Humble Humbles Kingdom Little Others Reign Superior Young
Matthew 18
1. Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,
7. to avoid offenses,
10. and not to despise the little ones;
15. teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,
21. and how often to forgive them;
23. which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,
32. and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.














Whoever
The term "whoever" is inclusive and universal, indicating that the message of this verse applies to all individuals without exception. In the Greek, the word used is "ὅστις" (hostis), which emphasizes an open invitation to anyone willing to listen and adhere to the teachings of Christ. This universality underscores the accessibility of the Kingdom of Heaven to all who choose to follow Jesus' example of humility and faith.

humbles himself
The phrase "humbles himself" is central to understanding the nature of true greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven. The Greek word for "humbles" is "ταπεινόω" (tapeinoō), which means to make oneself low or to bring oneself to a lower state. This concept of humility is countercultural, especially in a world that often values pride and self-promotion. In the biblical context, humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing one's dependence on God and valuing others above oneself. It is a voluntary act of submission to God's will, reflecting the character of Christ, who humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).

like this child
The reference to "like this child" is a powerful illustration used by Jesus to convey the qualities necessary for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. In the historical and cultural context of the time, children were considered low in social status, possessing no power or rights. By using a child as an example, Jesus highlights the virtues of innocence, trust, and dependence. The Greek word for child, "παιδίον" (paidion), suggests a young child, emphasizing the need for believers to adopt a childlike faith and trust in God. This imagery calls Christians to embrace simplicity, purity, and a heart open to learning and growth.

is the greatest
The phrase "is the greatest" challenges the conventional understanding of greatness. In the Greek, "μέγας" (megas) is used, which typically denotes something large or significant. However, Jesus redefines greatness not as a measure of power or status but as a reflection of one's humility and service to others. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical narrative that exalts the humble and brings down the proud (James 4:6). It serves as a reminder that in God's Kingdom, true greatness is found in serving others and living a life of humility and love.

in the kingdom of heaven
The "kingdom of heaven" is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing the reign and rule of God both in the present and in the future. The Greek term "βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν" (basileia tōn ouranōn) conveys the idea of God's sovereign rule and the community of believers who live under His authority. This kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Jesus' message in this verse invites believers to participate in this kingdom by embodying the values of humility and childlike faith, thus experiencing the fullness of life that God offers.

(4) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself.--This, then, was the answer to the question "Who shall be the greatest." The secret of true greatness lay in that unconsciousness of being great, which takes the lowest position as that which of right belongs to it. For a man to "humble himself" with the purpose of attaining greatness would frustrate itself, and reduce humility to an hypocrisy. The "pride that apes humility," the false lowliness of Colossians 2:18, is even more hateful and contemptible than open self-assertion.

As this little child.--That which was to be the result of a deliberate act in the disciples was found in the child's nature as it was. They were to make themselves lowly as he was lowly. The transition from the plural to the singular gives an almost dramatic vividness to the form of our Lord's teaching. We seem to see the child shrinking timidly, with blushing face and downcast eyes, from the notice thus drawn to him.

Verse 4. - Whosoever therefore. This verse gives a direct application of the principle just enunciated, and supplies an answer to the apostles' question. Shall humble himself. Not that a child consciously humbles itself, but is humble by nature. The disciple must become that by deliberate choice which the child is by reason of his constitution and natural disposition. The same is greatest; rather, greater (μείζων), Christ using the same term as the questioners in ver. 1. The more a man annihilates self and casts away pride, conceit, obstinacy, the fitter is he to become a living member of Christ's kingdom. "Quanto humilior, tanto altior," says Thomas Aquinas. But this is a joint work. St. Gregory says well, "The good which a man doeth is both the work of God and the work of man: of God, as being the Author, in giving grace; of man, as being actor, in using grace, yet so that he cooperate with grace by grace" (quoted by Ford, in loc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Therefore,
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

whoever
ὅστις (hostis)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3748: Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever.

humbles
ταπεινώσει (tapeinōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5013: To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.

himself
ἑαυτὸν (heauton)
Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

like
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

this
τοῦτο (touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

little child
παιδίον (paidion)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3813: Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

greatest
μείζων (meizōn)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλείᾳ (basileia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

heaven.
οὐρανῶν (ouranōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 18:4 Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little (Matt. Mat Mt)
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